verb

subdue

to subdue, to overcome, to control, to soften

The police managed to subdue the angry crowd.

The police managed to subdue the angry crowd.

She tried to subdue her excitement.

She tried to subdue her excitement.

He subdued the lighting for a romantic mood.

He subdued the lighting for a romantic mood.

((sb./sth.)) to bring (sb./sth.) under control The police subdued the suspect.

((one's feelings)) to suppress (one's feelings) She tried to subdue her anger.

Synonyms: conquer, suppress, control; Antonyms: incite, agitate

From Latin 'sub-' (under) + 'dare' (to give), meaning to bring 'under' one's control.

Think of bringing something 'sub' (under) your power, like pushing it down.

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